whiff
Elementary (A2)
IPA: /wɪf/
KK: /wɪf/
intransitive verb
Definition
To take a quick breath of air or smell something, often in a light or brief manner.
Example
She took a whiff of the fresh flowers in the garden.
Tense Forms
Past: whiffed
Past Participle: whiffed
Conversation
I went to the baseball game yesterday, and I saw a player really whiff at a crucial moment.
Oh no, that must have been disappointing!
Yeah, everyone was hoping he'd hit a home run, but he just whiffed.
That can happen to anyone, though; it's part of the game.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
miss
swing
waft
Antonyms
hit
connect
land
noun
Definition
A brief smell or scent that you notice for a short time.
Example
I caught a whiff of fresh bread as I walked past the bakery.
Conversation
Did you catch a whiff of that delicious food coming from the kitchen?
Yeah, it smells amazing! What are they cooking?
I think it's some kind of stew; I can almost taste it from here.
transitive verb
Definition
To take a quick breath in through the nose, often to smell something, or to blow something in a light, quick manner.
Example
The dog whiffed the air, trying to catch a scent.
Tense Forms
Past: whiffed
Past Participle: whiffed
Conversation
Did you whiff that amazing smell coming from the kitchen?
Yeah, it smells delicious! What are you cooking?
I'm trying out a new recipe, but I hope I didn't whiff any of the ingredients.
Root Explanation
The word 'whiff' originates from Middle English 'whif', meaning a puff of air or a slight gust. It is likely derived from the Old English 'hwifian', meaning to move quickly or to blow.
Memory Tip
Imagine a quick puff of air or a slight gust — that's what a 'whiff' is, capturing the essence of something moving quickly.
Visually Confused Words
whuff